In Memoriam: DJ E-Z Rock

Remembering the beloved DJ-producer.

Rodney 'DJ E-Z Rock' Bryce - Rodney 'DJ E-Z Rock' Bryce, of "It Takes Two" fame, died at age 46 on April 27. The cause of death was not disclosed. As one-half of the hip hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, the performer achieved critical acclaim with their above mentioned single and "Joy and Pain." The duo also released three albums, two of which achieved platinum and gold status, respectively, and another hit single. "R.I.P. to EZ Rock from Rob Base and EZ Rock," tweeted Biz Markie, who broke the news. "You will truly be missed."(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

1 / 7

In Memoriam: DJ E-Z Rock - This past April, we lost another DJ who contributed to helping break hip hop to a wider audience. DJ E-Z Rock, who was a part of the famed DJ/MC team with rapper Rob Base, passed away due to complications from diabetes. Along with Rob, E-Z Rock rose to fame with the release of their crossover smash single "It Takes Two." Take a look at the highlights of E-Z Rock's career. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

The Road to Fame - Starting out with a rap crew called the Sure Shot Seven, EZ-Rock appears on the group's first single "DJ Interview" on the independent label Mike and Dave Records in 1986. Over time the Seven wittles down to two, EZ-Rock and MC Rob Base, and the two continue to persue a music career. (Photo: Aaron Davidson/WireImage)

2 / 7

The Road to Fame - Starting out with a rap crew called the Sure Shot Seven, EZ-Rock appears on the group's first single "DJ Interview" on the independent label Mike and Dave Records in 1986. Over time the Seven wittles down to two, EZ-Rock and MC Rob Base, and the two continue to persue a music career. (Photo: Aaron Davidson/WireImage)

Two is the Magic Number - DJ E-Z Rock and Rob Base strike more than gold when they sign to Profile Records and release the smash single "It Takes Two" in 1988. In a matter of weeks the song, which samples Lyn Collins's 1972 classic "Think (About It)," goes from a club sensation to a platinum-selling pop music hit. (Photo: Profile Records) 

3 / 7

Two is the Magic Number - DJ E-Z Rock and Rob Base strike more than gold when they sign to Profile Records and release the smash single "It Takes Two" in 1988. In a matter of weeks the song, which samples Lyn Collins's 1972 classic "Think (About It)," goes from a club sensation to a platinum-selling pop music hit. (Photo: Profile Records) 

The Two Take it Higher - Following the momentum of "It Takes Two," DJ E-Z Rock and Rob Base quickly release an LP of the same title, and it too soon goes platinum. (Photo: Profile Records)

4 / 7

The Two Take it Higher - Following the momentum of "It Takes Two," DJ E-Z Rock and Rob Base quickly release an LP of the same title, and it too soon goes platinum. (Photo: Profile Records)

Joy and Pain - E-Z Rock and his partner-in-rhyme score another party hit when they release their second single "Joy and Pain," which borrows from Frankie Beverly's 1980 classic of the same name. (Photo: Profile Records) 

5 / 7

Joy and Pain - E-Z Rock and his partner-in-rhyme score another party hit when they release their second single "Joy and Pain," which borrows from Frankie Beverly's 1980 classic of the same name. (Photo: Profile Records) 

ADVERTISEMENT
Pump Up the Volume - The duo continue the upward trajectory of It Takes Two by putting out another party rocking single "Get On the Dance Floor." (Photo: Profile Records) 

6 / 7

Pump Up the Volume - The duo continue the upward trajectory of It Takes Two by putting out another party rocking single "Get On the Dance Floor." (Photo: Profile Records) 

Photo By Photo: Profile Records

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock - This New York City duo struck platinum fame in 1988 with the release of their classic "It Takes Two." After becoming a hit on hip hop dancefloors, the single crossed over to Bar Mitvahs and frat parties nationwide, turning the rapper/DJ duo into pop stars. A platinum LP called It Takes Two followed, along with two other not-so-great selling LPs. Rob and E-Z continued to do shows for notstalgic '80s tours together up until EZ's recent death. (Photo: PNP / WENN)

7 / 7

The Incredible Base - In 1989 DJ E-Z Rock transitions into more of a producer role, helping craft some of the beats for Rob Base's solo LP The Incredible Base. (Photo: PNP / WENN)